So then the Open level handlers wanted to do a group temperament test and I put Demi in too: handlers bring dogs up to their number start peg, stand their dogs and on command leave their dogs and take position a few metres in front of the dog. The instructor/judge then goes along the line of dogs giving each, basically, a few pats on the back. The dogs are supposed to stand there during this exercise not moving a leg. Well, you would think Demi had been doing this for years, solid as a rock!
So then came the stay. I expected I would do the Novice stay, the level we are trying to get out of, but got told to leave the ring and out of sight of Demi. To everyone's surprise and admiration Demi sat there for a full minute, the length of the Novice sit-stay before getting anxious and moving in search of me.
Last night after the other dogs and handlers had left I put Demi in a sit-stay along with three other dogs and moved into the clubhouse, out of sight of Demi. Blow me down! Demi sat solid the whole three minutes with me out of sight! Radical, dood! Then the 5 minute Open drop-stay, again I was out of Demi's sight in the clubhouse and again, solid as a rock! These long, out of sight stays (5 & 7 minutes respectively in Utility) often have dogs shifting between drop and sit more than once, bombing the trial
Well, doing a mock trial this Sunday (can use food in the ring and the score does not count towards a title, otherwise same as a normal trial) at a high school in Adelaide's north. Hopefully Demi does well there as there are two real trials on the next two Sundays!
Wish us luck!
In the clubhouse last night I had a bit of a whinge about the trainee instructor thing. I know our Head Instructor has a hubby dying of cancer but hopefully someone can be delegated to look after us trainees. Just helping out with classes is fine, but we get absolutely no feedback on how we are doing, what sort of a program exists (none) that sees us certified as full Instructors etc.
I do love instructing, helping. Last night before the lesson started I helped a Grade 2er improve her hand signals, esp the stand and drop. Her dog not doing the drop properly yet, I showed her how to use a treat to encourage the dog to drop. A lot of handlers, esp I am afraid the women, are to soft on their dog. Dogs are pack animals, the handler & fam are the dog's pack and by nature the dog wants to try to be pack leader--dog must be put in its place, and commands like 'drop' 'sit' and 'stand' etc must be commands, said in a clear, even slightly growly, voice. But you here these handlers, they are more or less ASKING their dog--it will never work folks! The dog is expressing its social/hierarchical nature, trying to be dominant. But it cannot really be the pack leader and the dog is never happy, never really learns. Ah well.
